Machine for automatically producing apparel belts and like strap bodies



Oct. 5, 1954 uc 2,690,910

MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed 001. 19, 1950 6 Sheets-Qheet 1 BY meslllenzc w?- r Oct. 5, 1954 Filed Oct. 19, 1950 BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES TUCK MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Jamea A Z127 120% Oct. 5, 1954 J TUCK 2,690,910

MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed Oct. 19, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOR.

Oct. 5, 1954 J. A. TUCK 2,690,910

MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed Oct. 19, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 MI i WWI/[ m IN VEN TOR. CfawesAZZez; 7207' Oct. 5, J A

. BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed Oct. 19, 1950 TUCK MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 I N VEN TOR.

t ZzvesZZ/ev Oct. 5, 1954 J T c 2,690,910

MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed Oct. 19, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VEN TOR. (Zines/572k)? 730% Patented Oct. 5, 1954 UNITED ATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUC- ING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES James Allen Tuck, Elmhurst, N. Y., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Louis Krantz, Bronx,

New York, N. Y.

14 Claims.

This invention relates to a novel machine for automatically producing apparel belt and like strap bodies from strip stock ready for reception of buckles by which the same are equipped for use.

The invention has for an object to provide an automatic machine into which stock strips can be fed and thereupon operated upon to effect the following operations, viz. (l) embossing or scoring the face surface of the stock strips; (2) beveling or trimming the edges of the stock strips; (3) punching of the stock strips to provide buckle reception slots and suitably spaced buckle tongue reception openings or perforations; (4) shaping of buckle attachment and free ends of the belt or strap body; and (5) stamping of the finished belt or strap body with size and suitable descriptive or other indicia.

The invention has for a further object to provide an automatic machine for the purposes stated which is so constructed and arranged that all or desired selection of the above mentioned operations may be performed.

The invention has for more specific objects to provide, in an automatic machine for the stated purposes, means for controlling timed successive admission of strip stock into the machine; means in cooperative relation to the embossing or scoring means for controlling the initiation of the embossing or scoring operation in spaced relation to and from the leading end of a stock strip; means to adjust the embossing or scoring means in accommodation to stock. strips of different widths and thicknesses; means to adjustably accommodate the beveling or trimming means to stock strips of different widths and thicknesses; means to receive and control the stock strips preparatory to delivery thereof to punching and cutting means; and means to effect automatic timed delivery of stock strips from the last mentioned means to and subject to the operation of the cutting and punching means, and then to eject the stock strips from the machine after performance of said punching and cutting operations (which convert the stock strips to finished belt or strap bodies), said delivery means including means to accommodate the operation thereof to stock strips of different widths.

Other objects of this invention, not at this time more particularly enumerated, will be understood from the following detailed description of the same.

An illustrative embodiment of this invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the machine according to this invention for producing apparel belt or like strap bodies.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the strip stock receiving end of the machine which includes the stock embossing or scoring means and the edge beveling or trimming means, this view being drawn on an enlarged scale; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary end elevation in part section, taken on line 3--3 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view, taken on line i-t in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view, taken on line 5-5 in Fig. 2, and drawn on a further enlarged scale; and Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of strip stock as initially worked upon by the embossing or scoring means of the machine.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view on an enlarged scale showing the means for positioning of a stock strip in a receiving means subject to delivery therefrom to the punching, cutting and stamping means of the machine; and Fig. 8' is a longitudinal section therethrough, taken on line 8-3 in Fig. 7, but drawn on a further enlarged scale.

Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical section through the machine, taken on line 9--9 in Fig. 1 but drawn on an enlarged scale, this view showing the stock strip punching, cutting and stamping means and the means for delivering a stock strip thereto from the receiving means; Fig. 10 is a View similar to that of Fig. 9 showing the operation of said delivery means in delivering and positioning a stock strip subject to operation of the punching, cutting and stamping means; Fig. 11 is also a similar View showing the operation of the delivery means for ejection of a finished belt or strap body from the machine upon completion of punching, cutting and stamping operations; and Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional View of means whereby the delivery means can be adjusted to accommodate its operation to stock strips of different widths.

Fig. 13 is a detail side elevational view in part section of a tip cutting and embossing or scoring device; Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of said cutting and embossing or scoring device; and Fig. 15 is a fragmentary plan view of the tip portion of a stock strip after operation thereupon by said tip cutting and embossing or scoring device.

Similar characters of reference are employed in the above described views, to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, the reference character I indicates the stationary bed member of the machine which is supported by suitably disposed leg portions 2 of a base frame 3. Affixed to the bed member, to upstand therefrom adjacent to the respective end portions thereof, are guide standards or columns 4. Mounted on and between said standards or columns 4, subject to vertical reciprocation thereon relative to the bed member I, is a head member 5.

The main shaft 6 of the machine is journaled in bearings l which depend from the bed member I, and which extend in longitudinally aligned relation to the latter. Power may be transmitted to said main shaft from any suitable source; preferably, however, an electric motor 8 is provided to serve as a power source, and the same is suitably mounted on the base frame 3 of the machine. Power is transmitted from the motor 8 to the main shaft 6 by suitable trans-- mision means. Illustratively, a counter shaft is driven from the motor 8 by belt and pulley or like transmission [0. The countershaft 9 operates reduction gear means contained in the housing H, and said reduction gear means in turn transmits the power through chain and sprocket or like transmission I2 to said main shaft 6.

The head member 5 is vertically reciprocated on the guide standards or columns 4 by eccentrics [3 with which the opposite ends of the main shaft are respectively provided. Connecting rods I4 are actuated by the eccentrics l3, and are respectively pivotally connected by knuckles S5 with opposite ends of the head member 5.

Afiixed to the top of the bed member 5 is a bed plate l6. Mounted on the bed plate 16, in outwardly offset parallel relation to the perpendicular axis of the head member 5 is a longitudinaly extending stock strip receiving means comprising laterally spaced wall members H. The space intermediate said wall members provides an endwise open stock strip receiving trough IS, the floor of which is constituted by the underlying portion of said bed plate l6.

Supported in extension from the receiving end of the bed member I, so as to extend in axial alignment with the receiving trough (8, is a stock strip feeding means, which also includes the means for embossing or scoring stock strips passed therethrough, and means for beveling or trimming the edges of stock strips passed therethrough. Said feeding means comprises a framework l9 having laterally spaced side plates 20. To the free or outer end of said framework, to extend outwardly therefrom between said side plates 20, is mounted a horizontal stock strip receiving platform 2!. Also afiixed to the free or outer end of the framework 59, to extend downwardly beneath the inward portion of the receiving platform 2i, is a transverse slideway plate 22 which is provided with spaced vertical guide track members 23. Mounted on the slideway plate 22, so as to be guided by the track members 23, is a slide plate 24 which is subject to vertical reciprocatory movements. Carried by said slide plate 24 is an outwardly offset, upwardly extending carrier arm 25 upon the upper end of which is carried a stock strip gripping roller 26 which is disposed to overhang and extend across the receiving platform 2|. Mounted in and across an opening which is provided in the receiving platform, and so as to be opposed to the gripping roller 26 is a driven stock strip feed roller 21, the shaft 28 of which is journaled in said receiving platform 2i. The means for driving said feed roller 21 will be later herein described.

Supported in connection with and extending beneath the frame work [9 of the stock strip feeding means is a lay shaft 29. Said lay shaft 23 is driven from the main shaft 6 by chain and sprocket or like transmission 30. Mounted on the outer end of the lay shaft 29 is a cam 35 which cooperates with a roller stud 32 with which the slide plate 24 is provided. Pull springs 33 are interconnected between the slide plate 24 and slideway plate 22 so as to cause the roller stud 32 to follow the periphery of the cam 3|. The cam 31 operates to produce timed rise and descent of the stock strip gripping roller 26, whereby at times to lift the latter away from the feed roller 27, and at proper times to cause said gripping roller 26 to descend and engage a stock strip, inserted between the gripping and feed rollers, in the nip of said rollers, whereby the thus engaged stock strip is fed into the machine.

Positioned inwardly of the stock strip gripping and feed rollers is the means for embossing or ornamentally scoring the face of stock strips introduced into the machine. This embossing or scoring means comprises a bed roll 34 which is fixed on a transverse driven shaft 35 journaled in and across the side plates 20 of the framework i9. Disposed above said bed roll 34, for cooperation therewith, are a pair of scoring rolls 36 which are mounted on a transverse driven shaft 37, subject to adjustment on said shaft toward and from one another to accommodate the action thereof to stock strips of different widths. The driven shaft 3! is journaled in and across an outwardly extending horizontal bifurcate arm 38 of a bell-crank frame 39 which is pivotally supported on a transverse fulcrum shaft 46 that is afiixed to and extends across the framework I 9 between the side plates 20 thereof. The upwardly extending vertical arm 4| of the bell-crank frame 39 is opposed to an upstanding stationary cross-head 42, the sides of which extend from the side plates 26 of the framework I9, 50 that said cross-head straddles the path of movement of stock strips through the feeding means. Supported by the crosshead 42 is a compression spring 43 which thrusts against the vertical arm 4| of the bell-crank frame 39, thus yieldably rocking the latter so as to down swing its horizontal arm 38, whereby to urge the scoring rolls 36 into operative engagement with a stock strip nipped between said rolls and the bed roll 34. Means is provided for suitably regulating the tension of the compression spring 43, the same comprising a manipulatable backing member 44 which is threaded into the cross-head 42 behind said compression spring. Means is also provided for adjustably limiting the movement of the bell-crank frame 39 under the yieldable thrust of the compression spring 43, so as to thereby limit the operative downward movement of the scoring rolls 36 toward the bed roll 34, to thereby accommodate the scoring action or the scoring rolls to different thicknesses of strip stock. This latter means comprises a manipulatable stop screw 45 having an enlarged head 46 adapted to be abutted by the vertical arm 4| of the bell-crank frame 39. The shank of said stop screw 45 extends freely through an opening 4! with which the vertical arm 4| of the bell-crank frame 39 is provided; said shank being threaded into the cross-head 42 so that the stop screw is supported thereby in 5, stationary relation to the movable bell-crank frame. Means is provided for temporarily lifting the scoring rolls 36, at proper times, out of operative relation to the bed roll 34 and a stock strip entering between the latter and said scoring rolls. This means comprises a lever 48 which is pivotally supported in connection with the framework #9, said lever 48 being connected by a link 49 with the horizontal arm 38 of the bellcrank frame. The means for actuating the lever 38 comprises a cam 50 which is fixed on the lay shaft 29; said lever 48 being provided with a roller stud 51 to follow the periphery of said cam. The means for transmitting power to the above described embossing or scoring means will be later herein described.

superposed upon the receiving platform 2! between the gripping and feed rollers 26-4! and the bed and scoring rolls id-36 are laterally opposed stock strip guide blocks 52 which can be adjusted toward and from one another so as to define an intermediate guide passage adjustably sized to accommodate stock strips of various widths. Manipulatable means is provided for adjusting said guide blocks 52, said means comprising a transverse shaft 53 journaled in and between bearing members 54. Fixed on said shaft 53 are right and left screw-threaded adjusters 55 which are respectively threaded through the respective guide blocks 52. The shaft 53 is provided, on at least one externally extending portion thereof, with a hand wheel 56 by which it can be rotatively manipulated to effect desired relatively spaced disposition of the guide blocks 52.

Cooperative with the above described embossing or scoring means is a stock strip stop means which is arranged to be operative at a predetermined inwardly spaced location beyond the nip of the bed roll 34 and scoring rolls 36. Supported from the framework 19 by an upwardly extending bracket arm 51 is a solenoid 58 which overhangs the path of movement of a stock strip passing between the bed and scoring rolls t t-36. Dependent from said solenoid and adapted to be controlled thereby is a stop rod 59. In its lowered stock strip arresting position, the lower end of this stop rod engages the floor of a passage 69 through which the stock strip advances. 58 out of the path of a stop strip, whereby to release the latter for onward movement, is effected by energizing the solenoid 58. The electric circuit (not shown) by which the solenoid is served includes a normally open switch 6! which is supported from the framework I9 adjacent to the lay shaft 29. Mounted on the lay shaft 29 is a cam 62 which cooperates with the switch 65 so as to close the latter at proper times, and thus cause the solenoid 58 to be temporarily energized for stop rod releasing eifect.

Supported by the framework i9, inwardly beyond the above described embossing or scoring means, is a stock strip beveling or trimming means including power driven means for advancing stock strips therethrough. The means for advancing a stock strip through the edge beveling or trimming means comprises a lower drive roller 63, which is fixed on a transverse driven shaft 8t journaled in and across the side plates of the framework l9, and an upper drive roller 65. The upper drive roller 55 is mounted on a transverse driven shaft 66 which is journeled in and across an inwardly extending horizontal bifurcate arm 6'! of a bell-crank frame Timed upward lift of said stop rod 68; the latter being pivotally supported on a transverse fulcrum shaft 69 that is afiixed to and extends across the framework l9 between the side plates 20 thereof. The upwardly extending vertical arm H! of the bell-crank frame 58 is cpposed to another upstanding stationary crosshead 'i I, the sides of which extend from the side plates 20 of framework 1 9, so that said cross-head straddles the path of movement of advancing stock strips. The bell-crank frame 68 is yieldably rocked in direction to urge the upper drive roller 65 toward the lower drive roller 63, whereby to grip an advancing stock strip in the nip of said rollers so as to thereupon drive said stock strip through the edge beveling or trimming means. The means for so rocking the bell-crank 58 is similar in construction and operation to that already above described in connection with the bell-crank frame 39 of the embossing or scoring means, and includes in connection with the crosshead H a compression spring 72 and an adjustable backing member 13 therefor, and also includes an adjustable limiting stop screw "M which extends through an opening 15 in the vertical arm it of bell-crank frame 63 into threaded connection with said cross-head l i; said stop screw i4 having an enlarged head it adapted to be abutted by said vertical arm iii of the bellcrank frame $8. The stock strip edge beveling or trimming means comprises laterally opposed supporting blocks T! which are suitably amxed to the framework 29 so as to respectively border opposite sides of the path of movement of stock strips advanced by the drive rollers 63-65. Sup ported upon the supporting blocks 17 are carrier plates it upon which the cutting knives it are mounted, the latter being secured in place by clamp plates 80. The carrier plates 78 and clamp plates 39 are respectively formed with longitudinal ledges 8! (see Fig. 5) which border the cutting knives in straddling relation to the longitudinal marginal portions of stock strips advanced between said cutting knives, thus serving to support and guide the advancing stock strips as they move between said cutting knives. The outer ends of the cutting knives terminate in sharp, chisel-like cutting edges which are positioned close to the discharge side of the nip of the drive rollers fit-65. The carrier plates '58 are subject to vertical adjustment relative to the supporting blocks 1? by means of adjusting screw devices 82, thus accommodating the cut ting knives to different thicknesses of strip stock. Means is also provided for adjusting the carrier plates 78 toward and from the path of movtment of advanced stock strips, whereby to ac commodate the cutting knives to different widths of strip stock. To this end, each carrier plate i8 is provided with an abutment piece 83 which extends therefrom into a cavity 8 with which the underlying supporting block ll is provided (see Fig. 5). Threaded into said supporting block is a manipulatable adjusting screw 35 which, when in-turned, is adapted to engage the outer face of the abutment piece 83 so as to move the carrier plate and associated cutting knife inwardly toward the path of movement of advanc ing stock strips. By out-turning said adjusting screw 35, the carrier plate and associated cutting knife is moved outwardly relative to the path of movement of advancing stock strips by a compression spring 88 which is mounted in the underlying supporting block H to thrust against t inner face of the abutment piece 83. The

supporting blocks '11 are provided with discharge channels 81 which lead outwardly therethrough from the sharp cutting ends of the cutting knives. Through these discharge channels the cuttings or waste removed from the stock strip edges by the cutting knives is led outwardly for discharge from the machine. Laterally adjustable guide blocks 52 (similar to above described adjustable guide block means 52) are provided to guide stock strips to the drive rollers {SS-65; the same being adjustable to accommodate stock strips of different widths.

Upon leaving the stock strip edge beveling or trimming means, a stock strip is led therefrom through suitable intermediate guide means 88 for passage into the heretofore mentioned receiving trough I8- of the machine. Located adjacent to the intake end of said receiving trough I8 is another pair of stock strip drive rollers, comprising a lower drive roller 89, the periphery of which projects through and somewhat above the floor level of said receiving trough I8, and an upper drive roller 90. Means is provided for arresting advancing movement of a stock strip into the receiving trough immediately it is fully entered within the latter upon discharge from the nip of said drive rollers 89-90 (see Figs. '7 and 8). The means for this purpose comprises an arrester or brake spring 9| of the leaf type, beneath which an advancing stock strip must pass as it traverses the drive rollers 8Q9il. The rearward or outer end portion of this arrester or brake spring 9| is suitably anchored to a stationary part of the machine, as e. g. to the top of the guide means 88, so that the body thereof passes between the drive rolls 89-99 above the nip thereof and in upwardly spaced relation to the floor of the receiving trough I8. To permit such disposition of the arrester or brake spring body, said body is provided with longitudinal slots 92, and the periphery of the upper drive roller 93 is annularly grooved to provide annular radially projecting ribs 93 which project through said slots 92 of the spring body for stock strip nipping cooperation with the underlying drive roller 89. The free end portion of the arrester or brake spring, which projects inwardly from the nip of the drive rollers 89-90, is provided with a downwardly oilset gripper portion 9 3 which, by the resilient tension of said spring body, is yieldably urged toward the floor of the receiving trough I8 so as to arrestingly grip a stock strip engaged between the same and said floor, after said stock strip escapes the nip of the drive rollers 899il.

It is now convenient to describe the means for transmitting operating power to the drive rollers 89-430, to the drive rollers 6365 which serve the edge beveling or trimming means, to the bed and scoring rolls 3436 of the embossing or scoring means, and to the feed roller 21. As best shown in Fig. 1, drive rollers 89-90 are driven from a drive shaft I94 by intermeshing gearing 95; the drive rollers tit-65 are driven from a drive shaft 98 by intermeshing gearing 9?; and the bed and scoring rolls 34-455 are driven from a drive shaft 93 by intermeshing gearing 99. Mounted across the main base frame of the machine is a countershaft Ill!) which is driven from the motor driven countershaft 9 by a sprocket and chain or like transmission lzll. Power is transmitted from the countershaft Hi to both the drive shaft I94, which serves the drive rollers 89 90, and the drive shaft 96, which serves the drive rollers 63-65, by means of a sprocket and chain or like transmission I02.. Power is transmitted from the shaft 96,. which serves the drive rollers 6365, to the shaft 98, which serves the bed and scoring rolls 34-36, by means of a sprocket and chain or like transmission I03 (see Figs. 2 and 4) Power is transmitted from shaft 35 of the bed roll 36 of the embossing or scoring means to the shaft 28 of the feed roller 27 by means of a sprocket and chain or like transmission I04 (see also Figs. 2 and 4). It will be understood that other forms and arrangements of power transmission means may be substituted for those above described.

The vertically reciprocable head member 5 carries cutting and punching devices beneath which stock strips are automatically successively transferred from the receiving trough IS onto the underlying portion of the bed plate It subject to the operation of said devices when the same are carried into engagement with a transferred stock strip by timed descent of the head memher 5. A more detailed description of the individual cutting and punching devices and means for adjustably mounting the same in operative attached relation to the head member 5 will be later herein set forth.

The means for effecting timed transfer of a stock strip from the receiving trough ii) to the cutting and punching station will now be described. Slidably mounted for in and out movement over the bed plate !6 and transversely through the receiving trough I8 is a push-plate itfi. Said push-plate is supported by slide blocks I06 which are affixed to its underside adjacent to each end thereof. Said slide blocks run in channeled guide members II)? which extend outwardly from the bed-plate I8. Connected with each slide block I06 is an actuating means, generally indicated by the reference character M3, for producing operative movements of said slide blocks to efiect timed advance and retraction of the push-plate I05. Since each said actuating means is of like construction and operation, description of one will sufiice for both.

Pivota'lly supported by a fulcrum pin I09 of a bearing bracket I I0, which is afiixed to the underside of the bed member I in downward and outward extension therefrom, is an actuating lever III. Pivotally connected with the upper free end of the actuating lever III is an outwardly yieldable extension IIZ. This extension I12 is yieldably held in normal substantially aligned relation to the actuating lever I l I, as determined by engagement of cooperative meeting stop shoulders H3 and H4 with which said lever and extension are respectively provided, by pull spring means 1 I5. This pull spring means is connected between a rearward projection or arm US of said extension I I2 and the rear side of the body of the actuating lever IN. The free end of said extension H2 is connected with a knuckle II! of a slide block I96 by a link I I8. The actuating lever III is provided with a bell-crank arin H9 which extends inwardly from its lower pivoted end. The bell-crank arm H9 is provided on its free end portion with a roller stud I29. Fixed on the main shaft 6 is a cam I2! by which the actuating lever III is operated. This cam IZI is provided with a cam race which engages the roller stud I20 of the lever bell-crank arm. Said cam race is so shaped as to produce an interrupted inward movement of the actuating lever I I I and a continuous outward or retractive movement thereof. To this end, said cam race comprises a section I22 operative to impart to the push-plate m5 a first stage inward movement by which a stock strip is transferred from the receiving trough I8 and disposed on the bed plate H8 in longitudinally aligned relation to and beneath the head member 5 and the cutting and punching devices carried by the latter; a dwell section i253 operative to arrest forward movement of the push-plate Hi5 while the head her 5 descends to bring the cutting and punching devices into operative engagement with the transferred stock strip; a section I2 operative to impart a second and final stage inward movement of the push-plate E65 upon upward retra ion of the head member 5 and cutting and punching devices after operation of the latter, such final forward movement serving to discharge the finished belt or strap body from the machine; and a section I25 operative to retract the push-plate I65 to normal initial position.

Cooperative with each push-plate actuating means its is a releaseable automatic stop means for positively arresting the first stage of the forward movement of push-plate IE5, whereby to assure proper disposition of a stock strip, transferred by said push-plate from the receiving trough it, in accurately aligned relation to the head member ii and cutting and punching devices; said stop means being adjustable to accommcdate its action to stock strips of different widths.

Each said stop means comprises a housing I26 which is affixed in stationary relation to the bed member l and bed plate I 5 so as to depend there across the path of movement of a slide block its. This housing I26 is provided with a downwardly open axial bore I2? into which extends a slidably reciprocable stop bar 25. Opposite walls of the housing 26 are provided with transversely aligned openings I29 which are in line with the path of reciprocable movement of a slide block IE6 and so as to be opposed to the latter. Mounted in connection with the slide block 59%, to project inwardly from the inner end thereof and in axially aligned relation to the openings its of the housing I26, is an adjustable stop pin Hid. This stop pin is provided with a screwthreaded portion it! which is threaded into the slide-block 2G6, and which is provided with an external finger piece or knob E32 by which it can be manipulated to effect desired adjustment of the stop pin i3t (see Fig. 12). The outer end face of the slideblock 166 may be provided with a suitably graduated scale (not shown) with reference to which the finger piece or knob 32 can be moved to indicate adjusted positions of the stop pin iSd which accommodate its operation in relation to stock strips of different widths. Any other form and arrangement of indicating means suitable for such purpose may be optionally employed.

The lower outer end portion of the stop bar I 28 is provided with a shouldered knuckle I33. This knucliie 433 is connected by a link Hi l to the free end of a stop bar actuator lever I 35 which is pivoted in connection with and beneath the bed member i to extend transversely across and above the main shaft 6. Intermediate its ends, said stop bar actuator lever is provided with a roller stud 5353 which is engaged by the periphery of a stop control cam I3? fixed on the main shaft 6. A compression spring I36 is mounted around the lower outer end portion of the stop bar 528 between the shouldered knuckle 533 of the latter and the lower end of the housing I 28, This spring I38 functions to exert yieldable downward 10 thrust upon the stop bar I28, link I3 and stop bar actuator lever I35, whereby to cause the roller stud 1st of the latter to operatively follow the periphery of the stop control cam I377. The periphery of the stop control cam is formed to provide a stop lift section its and a stop drop section 539'. These stop lift and drop sections are so related to the race sections of the operating cam I2l of the push-plate actuatin means I08 as to effect time rise and drop of the stop bar I28 into and out of the path of movement of the stop pin i-Sit.

When the push-plate I05 is in normal initial retracted position (see Fig. 9), the stop lift section 2'39 of the stop control cam I37 has engaged the roller stud ltt of the stop bar actuator lever E35 so as to upswing the latter, and thus slide upward the stop bar I28 across the openings I29- of the housing I28, and thus across the inward path of movement of stop-pin I38. The stop lift section :39 of the stop control cam I37 continues to maintain the stop bar I28 in such lifted position durin the first stage advance of the pushplate H5 accompanied by the stop pin I30, and until the stop pin enters through the forward opening 253 of the housing I26 and is arrested by abutment against the lifted stop bar E28, thus arresting the first stage advance of the pushplate ltd and thereby stopping the latter at a desired predetermined point. If, after this, any continued inward swing of the actuating lever iIi should occur as the race section of the cam lti completes its traverse of the roller stud l2il of the lever bell-crank arm I it, the extension I I 2 of the actuating lever lII will yield, so that immobility of the push-plate H35 will not impede any necessary continued inward swing of said actuating lever Ii I (see Fig. 10).

While the push-plate m5 dwells in the arrested position which teminates its first stage advance movement, the Stop drop section I39 of the stop control cam It? moves into engagement with the roller stud its of the stop bar actuator lever 535, whereby to permit downswing of the latter and downward retraction of the stop bar 23 from across the openings IZQ of the housing I23. The stop drop section I 39 of the stop control cam I3? continues to maintain such lowered disposition of the stop bar E28 while the race section I2 1 of the cam l2I produces further inswinging movement of the actuating lever III, whereby to impel the push-plate i I35 through the second and final stage of advance movement. Such second and final stage of advance movement is not impeded by reason of the fact that passage of the stop pin ISIB through both openings l 29 of the housing lit is unobstructed by the lowered stop bar 3255 (see Fig. 11).

Means is provided in connection with the receiving trough I B which is operative to press a stock strip, lodged within the latter, flatly down upon the bed plate IB, so that said stock strip is free from bulges or irregularities which might impede its outward passage beneath the inner wall I? of the receiving trough I3 under the impulsion of the advanced push-plate Hi5. This means comprises a longitudinal presser plate Hit of a length substantially coextensive with the length of the receiving trough I8 and of a width to loosely fit between the walls of the latter, so as to be subject to bodily up and down move ment therein. Mounted on a wall I? of the receiving trough I8, preferably on the inner wall, are a series of longitudinally spaced upstanding bearing posts I4I. Pivotally supported by each bearing post is a bell-crank lever comprising a substantially perpendicular arm I42 and .a substantially horizontal arm I43. Extending right angularly from the free end portion of each horizontal arm I43, to overhang the open top of the receiving trough I8, are carrier studs I44. Affixed to the upper face of the presser plate I40 are hanger members I45 which correspond in number and spaced relation to the number and spaced relation of the aforesaid bell-crank levers Mil-I43. Preferably, the upper ends of said hanger members I45 are provided with oppositely and laterally projecting stop lugs I46 which, by engagement with the top surfaces of the receiving trough walls I7, limit the downward movement of the presser plate I40 within the receiving trough. Said hanger members are connected by coupling links I47 to the carrier studs I44 of the bell-crank levers M2443, so that the presser plate I40 is suspended from the latter. Means is provided for effecting properly timed descent and rise of the presser plate I40. This means comprises an additional bell-crank lever I48 which is located adjacent an end of the receiving trough I8. The perpendicular arm of bell-crank lever 48 is interconnected with the several perpendicular arms of the series of bellcrank levers I42-I43 by a link bar I49. Fixed on the main shaft 6 is a cam I50 for actuating the bell-crank lever I48, whereby to produce the oscillation of the bell-crank levers I42-I43 which eifects timed descent and rise of the presser plate I40. Said cam I50 engages the roller stud I5I of an actuator lever I52 (similar in kind and mounting to the stop bar actuator lever I35). The cam controlled movements of said actuator bar I52 are transmitted to the bell-crank lever I48 by means of a connecting rod I53 (see Fig. 1).

To firmly hold a stock strip, which has been transferred from the receiving trough I8 onto that portion of the bed plate I6 which underlies the head member 5 and cutting and punching devices carried thereby, against accidental shift or displacement from aligned relation to said head member and its cutting and punching devices, a series of suitably shaped gripper leaf springs I54, one of which is shown (see Figs. 9, l and 11) are mounted in connection with and along the inner wall I7 of the receiving trough to extend outwardly therefrom. The transferred stock strip passes beneath these gripper springs I54, so that the latter exert strong tensional downward thrust upon said stock strip, whereby to frictionally engage the same with the underlying surface of the bed plate I6, thus holding said stock strip against displacing shift and subject to operative engagement by the cutting and punching devices upon descent of the head member 5. These gripper springs I54 also act to strip the stock strip from the cutting and punching devices as the latter are carried upward by the rise of the head member after operation of said devices. Said gripper springs I54 are supported by carrier devices I55 which are adjustably movable along a longitudinal slotted recess I56 with which the body of the inner wall I7 of the receiving trough I8 is provided, and can be releasably fixed in selected longitudinally spaced relation, so as to engage a stock strip at a plurality of desired points intermediate the positions of the cutting and punching devices as spaced along the head member 5.

To support the cutting and punching devices in desired spaced relation along the underside of the head member 5, the latter is provided with a longitudinally extending coupler member I57 which is suitably affixed thereto. Said coupler member is provided with a downwardly open longitudinal chamber I58, from the sides of the open bottom of which project opposed internal ledges I59 which form an intermediate bottom slot I60 (see Figs. 9 and 13).

The cutting and punching devices include a buckle end cutter IBI, a buckle end slotter I62, a punch I63 to produce suitably spaced and located buckle tongue reception perforations; and a tip end cutter and scorer I64. The detail form and construction of these devices may be considerably varied. In preferred form thereof, however, each device comprises a main carrier body I65 having a top flange or flanges I66 to abut the underside of the coupler member I57. Through the flange or flanges I66 are passed attachment bolts I67 which screw into clamp plates I68 which are lodged within the chamber I58 of the coupler member I57 so as to engage the ledges I59, whereby upon tightening home said attachment bolts I67 the said flanges will releasably clamp the device in desired location in connection with the head member 5. Attached to the lower end of the carrier body E65, by any suitable means adapted to permit vertical adjustment thereof relative to said carrier body, is a tool holder I69 to which a desired tool can be aflixed. For example, as shown in Fig. l, to the tool holder I69 of the buckle end cutter IIlI is afiixed a suitably shaped cutter member or blade I70 which will operate to desirably shape the extremity of the buckle attachment end of the belt or strap body to be produced; to the buckle end slotter I62 is aifixed a slotting punch IN; to the punch I63 is affixed a gang of punch members I72; and to the tip end cutter I64 is affixed a suitably shaped cutter member I73 which will operate to taper or point the extremity of the free or leading end of the belt or strap body to be produced. If the face of the belt or strap body is to be provided with an ornamental score extending along its marginal portions parallel to its edge (such e. g. as produced by the scoring rolls 36 of the embossing or scoring means), then the tip cutter member I73 is provided, in addition to the cutting blade portion I74 thereof, with an internal tip score cutter I75 which is disposed in a plane parallel to but upwardly 01fset from the plane of the cutting edge of said cutting blade I74 (see Figs. 13 and 14).

It will be understood that the cutting and punching devices may be adjustably shifted along the head member 5, whereby to dispose the same in selected relatively spaced positions which will accommodate their operation to different length sizes of belt or strap bodies to be produced. To facilitate such adjustments, the coupler member I57 may be provided with a suitably graduated indicator scale (not shown) by which relative spacing of the cutting and punching devices, for production of given length sizes of belt or strap bodies, may be quickly and easily determined.

In most cases it is desirable to provide the machine with means for stamping the backs of the belt or strap bodies under production with size and descriptive or other indicia. To this end a suitable printing mechanism I76 (see Fig. 1) is mounted in connection with the bed member I beneath the bed plate I6 so as to operate through an opening (not shown) against the underside or back of a stock strip, while the latter is being operated upon by the cutting and punching devices. For cooperation with said printing mechanism, the head member is equipped with a spring cushioned yieldable platen IT! to oppose said mechanism. Means is provided for effecting timed actuation of the printing mechanism simultaneously with the operation of the cutting and punching devices. The means for this purpose comprises a control cam 178 which is driven by the main shaft 6, and which is adapted to operatively engage the roller stud I19 of a pivoted actuating lever I86. Said lever I86 operates the printing mechanism I16 through the intermediate connecting rod 18!.

When the machine is in operation, a stock strip S is fed thereinto over the receiving platform 2! by introducing the leading end of said stock strip between the gripper roller 26 and the feed roller 21 at the moment the cam 3i operates to separate the former from the latter. When the cam 3i operates to lower the gripper roller 28 so as to grip the stock strip S by the nip of said gripper roller and feed roller 21, whereby to advance said stock strip into the machine, the operation of the cam 56 is timed to separate the scoring rolls 36 from the bed roll 34. As a consequence of this, the leading end portion of the stock strip S passes beneath the scoring rolls 36 without contact therewith, and said stock strip moves inwardly until its leading extremity abuts the normally lowered stop rod 59, whereby the forward motion of the stock strip is momentarily arrested. Upon such arrest of the stock strip, the operation of the cam 56 functions to release or lower the scoring rolls 36 for operative engagement with the entering stock strip at a predetermined point rearward of the leading extremity of the latter, so as to start scores 0 on the upper face of said stock strip (see Fig. 6). By reason of this initial forward movement of the stock strip out of contact with the scoring rolls 36, the scores C will not be permitted to intersect the margins of the belt or strap body tip portion which is subsequently formed in connection with the leading end portion of the stock strip 3 by the operation of the tip cutter member H3. Immediately the scoring rolls 36 are lowered into operative engagement with the stock strip S, the cam 62 is timed to actuate switch 6! so as to energize solenoid 58 for lifting the stop rod 59 out of the path of movement of the stock strip S into the machine as advanced by the bed and scoring rolls 34-36. From the bed and scoring rolls 341-36, the stock strip S is advanced so as to be engaged by the drive rolls 63-65, and thereby driven on through the beveling and trimming means, and thence to feed rolls 39-96 by which it is delivered into the receiving trough [8 of the machine. The operations of transferring the stock strip S from the receiving trough [8 subject to the operation of the cutting and punching devices carried by the reciprocated head member 5, as well as the discharge of the finished belt or strap body B (see Fig. 11) from the machine, will be understood from the description of the mechanisms involved already hereinabove set forth. It remains only to point out that the tip cutting operation performed by the cutter member H3 also includes the operation of completing the scoring 0 by extending a matching scoring C around the tapered tip portion T of the belt or strap body B (see Fig. This latter operation is accomplished by the tip score cutter I15 with which said cutter member H3 is provided.

It will be understood that in the event given operations upon the stock strip are not desired to be performed, this may be easily arranged. If, e. g., the embossing or scoring operation is to be eliminated, the scoring rolls 36 are disposed in out-of-servicg position by screwing home the stop screw 45 to thereby swing and hold the bell-crank frame 39 disposed to raise and hold the scoring rolls 36 out of operative relation to the bed roll 34. If the beveling or trimming operation is to be eliminated, the cutting knives 76 may be withdrawn from operative positions by out-turning the adjusting screws 85. Cutting and punching operations may be modifled by removing such of said devices as are not desired to operate.

Having now described my invention, I claim:

1. In a machine for shaping and punching stock strips to produce apparel belt and like strap bodies therefrom, said machine having a bed to support stock strips subject to the shaping and punching operations, mechanism to successively deliver stock strips onto the bed in position to be operated upon, said mechanism comprising a longitudinal endwise open stock strip receiving trough means mounted on the bed, a push-plate adapted to be transversely reciprocated through the receiving trough means and over the bed whereby to transfer a stock strip from the receiving trough means to a position on the bed at which it is operated upon, said push-plate having slide blocks, guideway means for the slide blocks, pivoted actuating levers having yieldable extensions at their free ends, links interconnecting said slide blocks with said yieldable extensions, said actuating levers being further provided with bell-crank arms, driven cam means cooperative with said bell-crank arms, said cam means including successively acting cam sections operative to produce a first stage advance of the push plate whereby to transfer a stock strip from the receiving trough means into a position on the bed at which it is operated upon, then to cause a dwell of the push-plate during operations upon the transferred stock strip, then to cause a second stage advance of the push-plate operative to discharge the stock strip from the machine after completion of operations thereon, and finally to retract the push-plate to normal initial position, adjustable stop finger means carried by a slide block, shiftable stop means engageable by the stop finger means to determine the limit of first stage advance of the pushplate, means to shift the stop means out of the path of stop finger advance whereby to permit second stage advance of the push-plate, and additional driven cam means for shifting said stop means in timed relation to the operations of said first mentioned cam means.

2. In a machine of the kind described according to claim 1, including a presser plate substantially (so-extensive with the stock strip receiving trough means, actuating means to raise and lower said presser plate within the receiving trough means whereby in its lowered position said presser plate engages and flattens a stock strip deposited within said receiving trough means subject to transfer therefrom by the pushplate, and third driven cam means for timing the movements of the presser plate means relative to operative movements of the push-plate.

3. In a machine for shaping and punching stock strips to produce apparel belt and like strap bodies therefrom, said machine having a bed to support stock strips subject to shaping and .aeeopio punching operations, mechanism to successively deliver stock strips onto the bed in position to be operated upon, said mechanism comprising a longitudinal endwise open stock strip receiving trough means mounted on the bed, a push-plate adapted to be transversely reciprocated through the receiving trough means and over the bed whereby to transfer a stock strip laterally from the receiving trough means to a position on the bed at which it is operated .upon, means to reciprocate the push-plate, a power driven shaft, cam means mounted on said shaft for operating and timing the push-plate reciprocating means, a pair of drive rollers for entering a stock strip longitudinally into the receiving trough means through an open end thereof, and brake spring means beyond the nip of said drive rollers by which the entered stock strip is engaged whereby to arrest entering movement thereof thereby to predetermine its deposited position within the receiving trough means subject to engagement by said push plate.

4. In a machine provided with stock strip delivering mechanism according to claim 3 which further includes a presser plate substantially coextensive with the stock strip receiving trough means, actuating means to raise and lower said presser plate within the receiving trough means whereby in its lowered position said presser plate engages and flattens a stock strip deposited within the receiving trough means subject to transfer therefrom by the push-plate, and said actuating means including a cam operated by the power driven shaft for timing the movements of the presser plate relative to operative movements of the push-plate.

5. In a machine for shaping and punching stock strips to produce apparel belt and like strap bodies therefrom, said machine having a bed to support stock strips subject to the shaping and punching operations, mechanism to successively deliver stock strips onto the bed in position to be operated upon, said mechanism comprising a longitudinal endwis open stock strip receiving trough means mounted on the bed, a pushplate adapted to be transversely reciprocated through the receiving trough means and over the bed whereby to transfer a stock strip from the receiving trough means to a position on the bed at which it is operated upon, means to reciprocate the push-plate, a power driven shaft, and cam means mounted on said shaft for operating and timing the push-plate reciprocating means, said cam means having successively acting cam sections operative to produce a first stage advance of the push-plate whereby to transfer a stock strip from the receiving trough means into position to be operated upon, then to cause dwell of th push-plate during operations upon the transferred stock strip, then to cause a second stage advance of the push-plate operative to discharge the stock strip from the machine after completion of operations thereon, and finally to retract the push-plate to normal initial position.

6. In a machine provided with stock strip delivering mechanism according to claim 5 which further includes gripper spring means cooperative with the bed to releasably holda transferred stock strip on the bed in position to be operated upon.

7. In a machineprovided with stock strip delivering mechanism according to claim 5 which further includes a presser platesubstantially coextensive with the stock strip receiving trough means, actuating means to raise .and lower said presser plate within the receiving trough means whereby in its lowered position said presser plate engages and flattens a stock strip deposited within the receiving trough means subject to transfer therefrom by the push-plate, and said actuating means including a cam operated by the power driven shaft for timing the movements of the presser plate relative to operative movements of the push-plate.

8. In a machine provided with stock strip delivering mechanism according to claim 7 which further includes gripper spring means cooperative with the bed to releasably hold a transferred stock strip on the bed in position to be operated upon.

9. In a machine for shaping and punching stock strips to produce apparel belt and like strap bodies therefrom, said machine having a bed to support stock strips subject to the shaping and punching operations, mechanism to successively deliver stock strips onto the bed in position to be operated upon, said mechanism comprising a longitudinal endwise open stock strip receiving trough means mounted on the bed, a push-plate adapted to be transversely reciprocated through the receiving trough means and over the bed whereby to transfer a stock stripfrom the receiving trough means to a position on the bed at which it is operated upon, means to reciprocate the push-plate, a power driven shaft, cam means mounted on said shaft for operating and timing the push-plate reciprocoating means, said cam means having successively acting cam sections operative to produce a first stage advance of the push-plate whereby to transfer a stock strip from the receiving trough means into position to be operated upon, then to cause dwell of the push-plate during operations upon the transferred stock strip, then to cause a second stage advance of the push-plate operative to discharge the stock strip from the machine after completion of operations thereon, and finally to retract the push-plate to normal initial position, superposed power driven rolls adjacent an open end of the receiving trough means operative to enter a stock strip longitudinally into said receiving trough means through said open end thereof, and brake spring means cooperative with the floor of the receiving trough means operative to arrest entering movement of a stock strip when released from said rolls whereby to predetermine the deposited position of the stock strip within the receiving trough means subject to engagement by said push-plate.

10. In a machine provided with stock strip delivering mechanism according to claim 9 which further includes a presser plate substantially coextensive with the stock strip receiving trough means, actuating means to raise and lower said presser plate within the receiving trough means whereby in its lowered position said presser plate engages and flattens a stock strip deposited within the receiving trough means subject to transfer therefrom by the pushplate, and said actuating means including a cam operated by the power driven shaft for timing the movements of the presser plate relative to operastock strips to produce apparel belt and like strip bodies therefrom, said machine having a bed to support stock strips subject to the shaping and punching operations, mechanism to successively deliver stock strips onto the bed in position to be operated upon, said mechanism comprising a longitudinal endwise open stock strip receiving trough means mounted on the bed, a push-plate adapted to be tranversely reciprocated through the receiving trough means and over the bed whereby to transfer a stock strip from the receiving trough means to a position on the bed at which it is operated upon, means to reciprocate the push-plate, a power driven shaft, cam means mounted on said shaft for operating and timing the push-plate reciprocating means, said cam means having successively acting cam sections operative to produce a first stage advance of the pushplate whereby to transfer a stock strip into position to be operated upon, then to cause dwell of the push-plate during operations upon the transferred stock strip, then to cause a second stage advance of the push-plate operative to discharge the stock strip from the machine after completion of operations thereon, and finally to retract the pushplate to normal initial position, adjustable stop finger means carried by the push-plate reciproeating means, shiftable stop means engageable by the stop finger means to determine the limit of the first stage advance of the push-plate, means to shift the stop means whereby to release the stop finger means and permit second stage advance of the push-plate, and a control cam operated by the power driven shaft for shifting said stop means in timed relation to the operations of the cam means by which the push-plate reciprocating means is actuated.

13. In a machine provided with stock strip delivering mechanism according to claim 12 which further includes a presser plate substantially coextensive with the stock strip receiving trough means, actuating means to raise and lower said presser plate within the receiving trough means whereby in its I lowered position said presser plate engages and flattens a stock strip deposited within the receiving trough means subject to transfer therefrom by the push-plate, and said acutating means including a cam operated by the power driven shaft for timing the movements of the presser plate relative to operative movements of the push-plate.

14. In a machine provided with stock strip delivering mechanism according to claim 13 which further includes superposed power driven rolls adjacent an open end of the receiving trough means operative to enter a stock strip longitudinally into said receiving trough means through said open end thereof, and brake spring means cooperative with the floor of the receiving trough means operative to arrest entering movement of a stock strip when released from said rolls whereby to predetermine the deposited position of the stock strip within the receiving trough means subject to engagement by said push-plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 267,574 Mundell et al Nov. 14, 1882 505,421 Frost Sept. 19, 1893 636,916 Mergenthaler Nov. 14, 1899 670,389 Hull Mar. 19, 1901 1,082,088 Lockwood Dec. 23, 1913 1,443,761 Schoendelen' Jan. 30, 1923 1,734,848 Brandon Nov. 5, 1929 1,996,591 Schmidt Apr. 2, 1935 2,371,177 Luthi Mar. 13, 1945 2,418,066 Bruker -1 Mar. 25, 1947 2,577,084 Laxo Dec. 4, 1951 

